India and Australia have recently expressed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties in order to shape the governance framework of emerging and disruptive technologies. The two nations believe that greater international cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safe usage of these technologies.
At a technology event organized by CUTS International and IIIT Bangalore, Sarah Storey, Deputy High Commissioner for the Australian High Commission to India, stated that it is necessary for like-minded countries to work together in tackling the challenges posed by critical and emerging technologies. Both India and Australia have pledged to pursue global regulatory standards in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, 6G, and Big Data.
This commitment comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Australia in September. The MoU is expected to facilitate collaboration between the two nations on technical standards, spectrum management, and telecoms policy.
One of the areas where India and Australia are laying the foundation for cooperation is in the development of an ethical framework for 6G. Deputy Head of CUTS International, Ujjwal Kumar, revealed that this framework will encompass principles such as privacy, data protection, healthy competition, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
During the event, speakers cautioned against excessive regulation of 6G and other emerging technologies, as it could stifle innovation. Instead, they emphasized the need for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while ensuring ethical and responsible use of these technologies.
Notably, India and Australia have adopted divergent paths when it comes to the regulation of AI and blockchain technology. Australia is pushing for a blanket ban on high-risk AI tools and has launched a stablecoin for cross-border transactions, while India’s Reserve Bank has proposed to launch AI-powered conversational instant payments. Despite these differences, both nations are determined to crack down on digital currency scams through public sensitization and enforcement actions.
In the quest for uniform global rules, India has played a leading role within the G20 in advocating for the development of international regulations for digital currencies. The country’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasized the need for collaboration among nations in crafting effective regulations.
Meanwhile, the U.K. is pushing for an international approach to AI governance through a global AI summit, while China, the EU, and the U.S. have already taken the lead in developing local legislation for their AI ecosystems.
In conclusion, India and Australia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and pursuing global regulatory standards for emerging technologies is a significant step towards ensuring the safe and responsible use of these technologies. By working together, like-minded countries can address the challenges posed by emerging technologies and establish a governance framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding ethical considerations.
